Parker Hannifin – Sporlan Division – Smart Service Tools

Parker Hannifin – Sporlan Division

THE CHALLENGE

For over 80 years the Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin has set the industry standard for developing and manufacturing leading-edge HVACR components. In 2014, the company designed SMART Service Tools, an app-supported diagnostic tool unlike any other in the marketplace. SMART Service Tools are lightweight wireless sensors that conveniently sync with an iPhone app, enabling HVAC technicians to read a system’s real-time pressure and temperature without using hoses or manifold gauges. The data can then be exported to keep on file for later use. SMART Service Tools were developed to make diagnostic readings faster and simpler, so technicians can save time and increase productivity. Before the product launch, Sporlan challenged Geile/Leon to develop the SMART brand look, educate distributors about the tool and create a compelling brand story that increases awareness of Sporlan’s forward-thinking nature among HVAC technicians and distributors.

THE SOLUTION

In order to differentiate SMART Service Tools in the marketplace, Geile/Leon started by interviewing trusted Sporlan distributors and end-users (HVAC techs) about the product and getting their initial feedback, questions and concerns. From there, we solidified what makes SMART Service Tools different from other technical HVAC gauges and manifolds and translated it across all of the sales materials — it’s a simple, hi-tech diagnostic tool. SMART Service Tools allow technicians to Read It, Record It, Send It: Read real-time, wireless data; record the data for diagnostic purposes; and send the data to have on file.

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THE RESULT

Sporlan released the SMART sales materials in September 2014. The tool has been given the 2014 ASHRAE Innovation Award and has been featured on a prominent contractor’s YouTube page. Because of the product demand, Sporlan is developing an Android app to support the tool and will feature a Sporlan and Parker version of SMART Service Tools at the 2015 AHR Expo.